Crews making progress on S. Idaho wildfires

SHOSHONE, Idaho - Fire crews are making good progress on two large lightning-caused wildfires burning in the Bureau of Land Management's Twin Falls District.

Managers said Tuesday morning that they expect to have containment on the Antelope Fire, burning about five miles south of Shoshone, by 8 p.m. Wednesday and controlled by 8 p.m. Thursday.

The fire started on Sunday and was fueled by strong wind gusts causing it to quickly grow in size. It has scorched about 30,000 acres and forced the closure of several highways in the area - including U.S. 26, Idaho 93 and Idaho 24 - on Sunday and Monday. Those highways have since reopened, but drivers are told to use extra caution while the firefight continues.

On Tuesday night, the BLM said the Antelope Fire was "smoldering," and that crews were working to improve containment lines and mop up hot spots.

Meanwhile, firefighters have controlled the Loveridge Fire, which forced the evacuation of Bruneau Dunes State Park Sunday night. The fire, located about eight miles southeast of the town of Bruneau, is estimated at nearly 39,000 acres in size.

The Loveridge Fire was sparked by a lightning strike, according to the BLM.

Further south, the Meadow Creek Fire was estimated at 493 acres on Tuesday night. The fire is burning two miles east of Interstate 84, and about 15 miles north of the Idaho-Utah state line.

The fire is expected to be contained at 6 p.m. Wednesday and controlled by 6 p.m. Friday.